"The early years are recognized as a vital stage in children’s physical, linguistic, intellectual and emotional development. ECE refers not only to what is happening within the child, but also to the care that child requires in order to thrive."

Significance of “Early Childhood Education”

It is widely acknowledged that the effects of what happens during the pre-natal period & during the earliest months and years of a child’s life can last a life time. This is because the kind of early care a child receives from parents, pre-school teachers and caregivers determines how a child learns and relates to school and life in general. It is during early care that a child develops all the key elements of emotional intelligence, confidence, curiosity,
purposefulness, self control, connectedness, the capacity to communicate and co-cooperativeness.

Emotional intelligence is now considered crucial for educational success.

Initiated in 2009/10 the EYLA or Early Years Learning Association, Professional Teachers Association Network- PTAN chapter for Punjab in collaboration with AKU-IED

Seeking support to begin a three month upgraded to six month certificate course – through BRAC University –IED and TRC collaboration through the Institute for Professional Learning (IPL) an ITA subsidiary – college (recognized by HEC) affiliated to UoE .

Early Childhood Development (ECD)

Early Childhood Development (ECD) Day Centres are community based centres that cater to children (Ages: 6 month to 4 ˝ years) and their mothers, embedding maternal and child health, nutrition, learning stimulation, good parenting, and strong social support.

Total 15 ECD centers have been established in 3 flood affected districts of Punjab & Sndh in 2011:

Rahim Yar Khan

Muzaffar Garh

Shikar Pur

Recently four ECD centers are being established in Musa Kheil, Balochistan in collaboration with Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF)

Rara Sham Village, U/C Kingri

The local community has assigned name of ECD Day Cares Centre as “Sanjha Verah” in Seraiki and “Pahnjo Vehro” in Sindhi.

Each ECD Day Care Centre is provided trained and qualified ECD teachers and local Lady Health Worker in order to make sure that the children could be provided best available health and education facilities. The center offers local children a safe learning environment, equipped with age and developmentally appropriate furniture, swings and Teaching Learning Material (TLMs). Above all, a safe space allows mothers to return to work in the fields, rebuilding homes and reconstructing their lives.
ECD is proven to be the most cost effective sustainable intervention, as the area for establishing ECD centre is mainly provided by the local community, and later, managed by Mothers’ Committees themselves. Gender Based Grooming Session and Side by side Vocational Programs for Mothers & Girls are also continued with an aim to empower Females, assisting them in making their own Decisions and manage the functionalities of ECD Day Care Centre. Learn More